This Sunday, thousands of runners will line up at the Tokyo Marathon — the first Abbott World Marathon Major of the calendar year.
The six World Marathon Majors are among the largest and most prestigious marathons in the world, known for top-notch organization, large fields and enthusiastic crowds. Runners who complete all six races receive a Six Star Medal and are inducted into the Abbott World Marathon Majors Hall of Fame.
This year, the Brainsport Times is speaking to Saskatoonians who’ve completed the World Marathon Majors about their experiences getting into and running these coveted races (if you want to share your story reach out!). Today, 52-year-old Dennis Furniss shares his story of running the 2023 Tokyo Marathon.
Q: Tell me about yourself and your relationship with running.
A: If you had met me 15 years ago, you would not have seen a runner. In 2010, I was tipping the scales at 280lbs. My hobbies were all couch-related: watching TV, playing video games, eating snacks. But my wife was a runner and, in the back of my mind, I always thought it would be fun to join her on a 5km some time. One day, this goal just clicked for me. I decided I owed it to myself to get healthy. I replaced the 7-Eleven nachos with healthier choices and dropped 115lbs in one year.
In the summer of 2011 I joined a learn-to-run clinic. I still remember the feeling of apprehension the first time I laced up my shoes and headed out the door. Would I be able to make it through the first session? Or would I find myself collapsed in a 7-Eleven after five minutes, drinking cheese sauce straight from the dispenser?!
Little did I know that first session would lead to meeting an amazing group of people and running races across the world. From that first session I trained for a 5km … which led to a 10km … then a half-marathon … and then, in May 2013, my first full marathon at the Saskatchewan Marathon. I believe there is a race for everyone and crossing the finish line at my first full, I knew I had found mine.
Since grabbing that first free banana and shiny medal, I’ve had the joy of running marathons in so many beautiful cities.
I believe I have run 15 full marathons and one 50km ultra to date.
Q: Why did you want to run the Tokyo Marathon?
A: After running marathons for a few years, I heard about the Abbott World Marathon Majors. One of my good friends from the running group, Brian Pierce, agreed to team up in completing all six runs so we could get the Six Star Finishers medal (and a nice collection of race shirts, of course).
In 2016, we ran the Chicago Marathon. With the support of Brian Michasiw, Brainsport and New Balance, we were able to take a bite out of the Big Apple in the 2018 New York City Marathon. In 2019, we crossed the finish line in Berlin. (Shout out to the race organizers for picking a date that allowed us to really celebrate at Oktoberfest.) After a brief break from international racing in 2020, we set our sights on Tokyo.
Q: How did you get in?
A: Despite hosting ~35,000 runners, Tokyo Marathon is not easy to enter. And trust me, we tried. Tokyo Marathon Foundation had many virtual events where you could win an opportunity to buy your bib. They hosted about seven events a season (each one costing ~$20 CDN to enter). Despite entering them all, we never won. But a true runner doesn’t give up, even when there’s chafing, leg cramps, or long lineups at the port-a-potty.
We learned that the marathon also offered a charity route option. There were a number of approved charities with bibs available for bidding. We were both selected to run for Ronald McDonald House Japan. All it took was a bid of 100,000 ¥ and getting up at 3 a.m. to submit our entry.
Q: How logistically easy or challenging was it to organize travel and accommodations?
A: Japan is an amazing country with so much to offer that it’s really worth doing your research before you go. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and learned about accommodation options on running forums to get insight into where to stay. I created maps of the start and finish lines, as well as attractions in the area to pick something convenient. The transit system in Tokyo is amazing – probably the best in the world. It’s easy to get around although Tokyo is quite huge. Staying anywhere between the start and finish lines is perfect.
Q: How complicated and expensive was travel from Saskatoon?
A: Travel was about $1,500 per person return via Vancouver. Getting to Vancouver proved difficult. Long story, but our flight was cancelled on Friday evening (our flight was Sunday) After three hours on the phone we started packing at 8 p.m. for a 6 a.m. flight to Vancouver and onto Tokyo a day early. That being said, the Japanese airlines are great. It isn’t fun to be on a plane for a day, but the service was excellent.
Q: Tell me about the race.
A: Weather was perfect, six degrees with 15km/h winds. Crowds were amazing and people were shouting encouragement. Ganbare or ganbatte is a phrase that means “Come on Lets Go” or “Go For It” in English.
The best part was getting to run with Brian Pierce, Scott Gillespie and our coach Pat Sommerville. Second best part was our families being our cheering squad at the end. Things are always better when you can experience it with others.
The course was a few out and backs throughout the city. Seeing the Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest building in Japan, was great. As it was my first time in Japan, the landscape was different. Lots of interesting signs and buildings.
Also, if you’re going the charity route, Ronald McDonald House has great after-run support. (Please don’t ask me how many free McNuggets I ate.)
Q: What surprised you the most about the race or what had you not been expecting?
A: The bathrooms. They had both Western-style and Japanese-style (squat) toilets. The toilets on course were sometimes 400m down a back alley. I wasn’t giving up that much time so I went without on the course.
Aside from the race though, bathrooms in Japan are next level. You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced a Japanese toilet seat!
Q: How did the race compare to other races you have done?
A: This was one of my favorite races. I have always wanted to go to Japan. It was fairly well organized for a country that just started letting in foreign visitors after the pandemic. In general, the experience in Japan was amazing. There’s so much to see, so many things to do — even with my tired running legs I still explored after the race. The people are incredibly gracious and welcoming.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who gets into the Tokyo Marathon?
A: Learn a few Japanese phrases. Arrive early to acclimatize as it’s a 10.5 hour flight from Vancouver. Have fun — the start of the race is crowded, but it will spread out a bit. If you can, take some time after to explore the country. Stay at a traditional onsen. Try all kinds of different food — in Japan, food from convenience stores is actually good! Lose a bunch of yen trying to win something from a claw machine. Go to Team Labs. Take a high-speed train. It’s all amazing!
Q: Anything else?
A: My wife isn’t as much of a traveler as I am, so she was a bit apprehensive about going. But she loved it. It’s a special experience to go with friends and family. Make a vacation out of it. Also, leave extra room in your suitcase to bring back all the different flavours of Kit Kat bars! Trust me.
